Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that affects over 2 million people. The disorder is sometimes referred to as: Bipolar Depression, Manic-Depression or Schizophrenia; but they all fall under the same umbrella. A person who is Bipolar has severe high and low mood swings, and between those high's and low's are normal moods.


During the “high's”, the person with Bipolar is overly excited and confident, and then very quickly becomes irritable, fills with anger, and even rage.

Television has done a good job portraying the characteristics of Bipolar Disorder.

In the drama “ER” Sally Field guest stars as Dr. Lockhart's mother is Bipolar that had behaviour changing in an instant. In an episode of “Touched by an Angel” a character who had Bipolar Disorder became psychotic and would see and hear things that weren't really there or would hold false beliefs.

Other “highs” include:

• rapid speech and poor coordination
• increased energy and less need of sleep
• high sex drive
• makes unattainable plans
• shows poor judgment
• increased Impulsivity
• drug and alcohol abuse

On the flip side of the highs, there are several “low's” that contribute to Bipolar Disorder as well. For one, sadness, sufferers can turn very sad and depressed in no time. Other “lows” include:

• loss of energy
• loss of enjoyment from things that usually gave joy
• uncontrollable crying
• a need for sleep
• Insomnia
• change in appetite (weight gain or weight loss)
• thoughts of death
• attempts suicide
• Irritability

Bipolar Disorder usually begins in early adulthood, appearing before the age of 35, although it is possible for children and adolescents can develop Bipolar Disorder. Often it is passed down genetically. It affects both men and women on equal levels, but a woman's moods turn quicker – a term used is “rapid cycling”. The varying levels of sex hormones combined with activity of the thyroid gland in neck and prescribed antidepressants contribute to more rapid cycling in women. A diagnosis is made after a careful look of symptoms (the severity, the length, and the frequency) of them. After this, a medical evaluation may be performed. This would entail the doctor asking the patient questions of personal family history of mental illness.

Unfortunately, there is no real prevention of Bipolar Disorder because there is not determined cause. But, with a good treatment of medications that work for you, the reduction of symptoms of mood swings occur and it can help with relapses of severe mood swings. Some of these drugs that could be prescribed by your doctor are: “Lithium” - this helps to stabilize mood swings. Within two weeks of usage the mood swings reduce, but for some it might take weeks/months to fully control. Another drug that might be prescribed is “Depakote” - an anti- seizure medication, but also helps to sustain focus and control.

Best Advice: Know the symptoms for early intervention for the best chance of effective treatment that works for you and your loved ones to live a happy, full, and experience filled life without outbursts.